Maryvale's Ground Game Takes Over in 49-19 Victory Over Cholla

Maryvale turned a competitive first half into a commanding victory Thursday night, using a powerful rushing attack and several explosive plays to defeat Cholla 49-19 in boys varsity football action at Maryvale High School.

Cholla struck first, with senior No. 9 Victor Rojo making an immediate impact on defense. Rojo intercepted a Maryvale pass and returned it 85 yards for a touchdown, putting the Chargers ahead 7-0 following the extra point.

Maryvale responded on the ground.

No. 6 Dionte Brandon capped the Panthers' ensuing scoring drive with a one-yard rushing touchdown. Maryvale missed the conversion, leaving Cholla with a 7-6 advantage.

The Panthers found the end zone again before the opening quarter ended. Quarterback No. 1 Marcus Escobedo Jr. connected with No. 4 Miles Woods for a 23-yard touchdown pass. No. 8 Isaac Buchanan followed with a successful two-point conversion, giving Maryvale a 14-7 advantage after one quarter.

Cholla pulled within one during the second quarter. Quarterback No. 1 Damian Estrella scored on a two-yard rushing touchdown, but the Chargers were unable to convert afterward, leaving Maryvale ahead 14-13.

The Panthers answered before halftime through the air. Escobedo connected with No. 14 Elijah Antoine for a 28-yard touchdown, and No. 90 Salumu Wasokye converted the extra point to send Maryvale into halftime leading 21-13.

The second half belonged to the Panthers' running game.

Brandon broke free for a 36-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter, extending Maryvale's advantage to 28-13 following the extra point.

Later in the quarter, Brandon struck again. The freshman running back broke loose for a 40-yard touchdown run, his third rushing score of the night. Another successful extra point gave Maryvale a 35-13 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

Maryvale offensive line coach Jerry Thompson (JT) credited the Panthers' success on the ground to the work taking place at the line of scrimmage.

“I think the biggest thing was just how physical we were up front. We were getting movement, staying on our blocks, and creating some good creases for him to hit.”

Thompson also credited Maryvale's running backs for allowing blocks to develop before attacking the openings created by the offensive line.

“Our backs did a good job of being patient, letting things develop, and then hitting it when the hole was there.”

Cholla continued battling and found another spark from Rojo in the fourth quarter. The senior intercepted another Maryvale pass and returned it 35 yards for his second pick-six of the game, cutting the Panthers' advantage to 35-19.

Maryvale needed little time to answer.

On the ensuing kickoff, Woods broke free for an 80-yard kickoff return touchdown, immediately restoring momentum for the Panthers. The extra point extended Maryvale's lead to 42-19.

The Panthers weren't finished on the ground.

No. 8 Isaac Buchanan delivered Maryvale's final touchdown with a 50-yard rushing score, and another successful extra point completed the 49-19 victory.

Maryvale finished with four rushing touchdowns, including three from Brandon and the 50-yard score from Buchanan. The Panthers also produced a passing touchdown to Woods, a 28-yard touchdown reception by Antoine and Woods' 80-yard kickoff return.

For Thompson, Maryvale's ability to continue running successfully even when Cholla knew what was coming reflected the mentality of the Panthers' offensive front.

“They know we’re going to run it, the defense knows we’re going to run it, it comes down to who wants it more.”

Thompson credited the performance to the toughness and execution of the players up front.

“They’re playing physical, they’re staying on blocks, and they’re just doing their job to the best of their ability.”

Maryvale entered halftime holding an eight-point advantage but broke the game open with 14 unanswered points in the third quarter. Cholla's two interception returns from Rojo provided two of the Chargers' three touchdowns, but Maryvale's rushing attack and explosive special-teams response ultimately proved too much.

The Panthers scored 35 offensive points and added Woods' kickoff return touchdown while pulling away for the 49-19 home victory.